SLIEMA WANDERERS-3, ZEBBUG RANGERS-2

Sliema Wanderers edged out Zebbug Rangers by the odd goal in five to move nine points clear of the relegation zone.

The Blues deserved their win as they were the better side but gave away two soft goals which kept the battling Zebbug Rangers in the game.

Zebbug Rangers created the first chance after 11 minutes but Matias Muchardi's well-struck free-kick was high.

As the minutes ticked away, Sliema began to take control. On 18 minutes, Djumo Bocar ran into the box but his cross, hit towards the far post, found no takers.

Two minutes later, Zebbug opened the scoring.

Carlo Monti's cross from a central free-kick sailed into the box where the unmarked Yessous Camilleri had an easy job heading past Glenn Zammit.

Sliema took some time to make a reaction. They went close to an equaliser on 33 minutes but Farrugia turned Andrea Pisanu's free-kick around the near post.

The Zebbug goalkeeper was prominent with quickfire saves from Bocar, from the distance, and Friggieri's ensuing effort.

Sliema were back on level terms five minutes from half-time thanks to Bocar who scored with an overhead kick after Pisanu's free-kick was deflected into his path.

Less than two minutes from the start of the second half expired when Sliema forged ahead thanks to Mark Scerri who beat Farrugia with a low shot after receiving Mateus's through-ball.

Five minutes passed and Sliema went 3-1 up courtesy of Bocar who headed past Farrugia from Pisanu's cross.

Mateus then nodded wide from Pisanu's corner but the Rangers got back into contention when John Mintoff appeared to deflect the ball into his own net after Sliema had failed to clear a long throw-in.

Pisanu nearly restored Sliema's two-goal lead but his well-hit free-kick landed wide of the far post.

Yussuff had a great chance to make it 3-3 but his close-range header, from Jacob Borg's cross, was blocked by Zammit.

At the other end, Mateus produced a fine shot that was slightly off target before Farrugia turned away Friggieri's effort.

The Rangers also threatened as Monto sped towards goal but Zammit dashed off his line to close down the Zebbug playmaker.

Mauricio Britto, who had replaced Muchardi, then volleyed wide as the Rangers doubled their efforts.

In stoppage time, Mateus should have sealed it for Sliema as he sped clear on the counter but spoiled his good work by going too wide after sweeping past the goalkeeper.

Sliema's Bocar was the BOV player of the match.

 

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